The concept of smart cities has been extensively theorized and validated through practical implementation. Meanwhile, ecological civilization is gaining prominence as a critical framework for addressing global environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable human development. With the rapid advancement of AI, integrating ecological civilization into smart city theory and related urban development models has become essential for future urbanization. This chapter examines the theoretical evolution of smart cities, highlighting a key paradigm shift, from early technology-driven efficiency models to more holistic, ecologically embedded, and human-centered governance approaches. It also explores the practical and philosophical challenges facing smart city development. To address these limitations, contemporary theories, such as socio-technical systems, participatory governance, and the principles of ecological civilization, are analyzed, framing smart cities as biophilic-technological hybrids that must adopt regenerative design within planetary boundaries. Central to this synthesis is the principle that digital tools should prioritize human well-being, equity, and resilience, not technological dominance. Aligning with UN-Habitat’s International Guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities (IG-PCSC), this chapter positions ecological civilization as a foundational paradigm for sustainable urban governance. We argue that the eight-pillar IG-PCSC framework provides a practical blueprint for rights-based, ecologically grounded digital urbanism and standardization. However, successful implementation depends on effective governance, sustainable financing, and authentic multi-stakeholder collaboration, ensuring technology is an enabler, rather than a driver, of inclusive and regenerative urban futures.